CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review for the doc series “Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose,” about the rise and bitter fall of the major league legend, the MLB’s all-time hits leader, only to be banned from the sport because of gambling. Streaming on MAX and on HBO since July 24th.!—break—>
June 2017
Podcast Talk: Director James Choi on the Chicago Premiere of ‘Empty Space’ on July 1, 2017
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 30, 2017 - 7:44pm- Beachwood Pictures
- Brian Zahm
- Chicago
- DePaul University
- Elizabeth Stenholt
- Empty Space
- Faith in Destiny
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Illinois
- Interview
- James Choi
- Josh Hope
- Judith Kant
- Lake Carroll
- Made in China
- Mercury Theater
- Merrick Robison
- Mindy Kay Parks
- Patrick McDonald
- Paul Boring
- Podcast
- Windy City Film Festival
CHICAGO – The combination of two different souls with two different problems – isolated in rural Illinois – was the story that director James Choi knew he wanted to produce as his next film project. So armed with a micro budget, a four man production crew and a cast of passionate actors, Choi created “Empty Space.” The film is making its Chicago premiere at the Windy City Film Festival on Saturday, July 1st, 2017.
Film Review: ‘Despicable Me 3’ Reemerges as Despicably Dull
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 29, 2017 - 11:33pmCHICAGO – This is it. The point where Gru and his Minions went from mildly irritating to excruciating. The series will undoubtedly entertain the children it’s intended for, my twins probably would have liked it if they had been able to come. But pity the poor parents who have to sit through another film full of Minion fart noises… which seems to last for roughly three whole days.
‘Despicable Me 3’ Reemerges as Despicably Dull
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 29, 2017 - 11:29pmRating: 1.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – This is it. The point where Gru and his Minions went from mildly irritating to excruciating. The series will undoubtedly entertain the children it’s intended for, my twins probably would have liked it if they had been able to come. But pity the poor parents who have to sit through another film full of Minion fart noises… which seems to last for roughly three whole days.
Interview, Audio: Matthew Strauss, Video Services EVP at Comcast
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 28, 2017 - 12:58pmCHICAGO – It’s difficult to keep up with the choices for television these days, and what if it was your job? Matthew “Matt” Strauss of Comcast is Executive Vice President and General Manager of their Video Services, and oversees a division where innovation and technology has reinvented TV watching, and how it is delivered.
Film Review: ‘Baby Driver’ Runs on the Fast Track of Movieland
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 28, 2017 - 8:28amCHICAGO – While it may seem that we’ve seen this type of tough-guy robbery gang film before, “Baby Driver” lives in its own universe, that of the movieland of movies. It is rich in squealing tires, bang-bang guns synched to the soundtrack, and a mystery cool boy creating his own star-crossed romance.
‘Baby Driver’ Runs on the Fast Track of Movieland
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 28, 2017 - 8:24amRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – While it may seem that we’ve seen this type of tough-guy robbery gang film before, “Baby Driver” lives in its own universe, that of the movieland of movies. It is rich in squealing tires, bang-bang guns synched to the soundtrack, and a mystery cool boy creating his own star-crossed romance.
Slideshow: Chicago Premiere for the Fourth Season of Starz Network’s ‘Power’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 27, 2017 - 1:38pmCHICAGO – On Sunday (June 25th, 2017), the fourth season began for the popular Starz Network crime drama “Power,” which was created by Courtney A. Kemp and produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The Sunday night broadcast was right on the heels of a special appearance of the cast at the Chicago premiere showcase on June 13th, which was co-presented by Starz and Xfinity. Cast members J.R. Ramirez, Rotimi Akinosho and Chicago’s own Joseph Siroka were at the event.
Slideshow: Chicago Red-Carpet Premiere of ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 26, 2017 - 3:50pmCHICAGO – The Windy City became the “transforming” city on June 20th, 2017, as the major cast members and director Michael Bay walked the Red Carpet for the premiere of their new film “Transformers: The Last Knight.” The special Red Carpet event was on a barge on the Chicago River, behind the legendary Civic Opera House. Mark Wahlberg, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Josh Duhamel and Laura Haddock were among the cast members that were there.
Film Review: Glaring Lack of Originality Handicaps ‘The Bad Batch’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 25, 2017 - 8:03pmCHICAGO – Dystopia has been dissed out. Mining the negative vibe future world can’t seem to touch the rich creative vein any more and the reserves seem dry. Writer/director Ana Lily Amirpour may have an element within her interpretation that is hard core, but it’s not enough to understand the overall vision of her tomorrow world, except that we’re all part of “The Bad Batch.”
Glaring Lack of Originality Handicaps ‘The Bad Batch’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 25, 2017 - 8:00pmRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Dystopia has been dissed out. Mining the negative vibe future world can’t seem to touch the rich creative vein any more and the reserves seem dry. Writer/director Ana Lily Amirpour may have an element within her interpretation that is hard core, but it’s not enough to understand the overall vision of her tomorrow world, except that we’re all part of “The Bad Batch.”
2017 Chicago Open Air Festival to Run From July 14-16, 2017
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 23, 2017 - 9:52pmBRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – One of the biggest rock festivals in the country will soon take place in the Chicagoland area. The second-annual Chicago Open Air Festival will feature a full arsenal of rock artists and will take place at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. from July 14 to 16, 2017.
Red-Carpet Video Interview: ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ Star Josh Duhamel
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 23, 2017 - 5:32pmCHICAGO – Josh Duhamel walked the Chicago red carpet for the premiere of “Transformers: The Last Knight” on June 20, 2017. He talked to Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com about working with director Michael Bay and this film appealing to a younger demographic (including Josh’s son).
Red-Carpet Video Interview: ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ Star Laura Haddock
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 23, 2017 - 10:42amCHICAGO – Laura Haddock, the new leading lady in “Transformers: The Last Knight,” walked the Chicago red carpet for the premiere of the film on June 20, 2017. She talked to Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com about working with director Michael Bay and how her real-life OCD tendencies played into her controlling Vivian Wembley character.
Film Feature: HollywoodChicago.com Remembers the Films of Director John G. Avildsen
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 23, 2017 - 9:29amCHICAGO – His films were more popular than his name, but director John G. Avildsen did put his mark on the last 30 years of 20th Century movies. Avildsen died last week at the age of 81. He is known best for the Oscar Best Picture-winning “Rocky” (1976), but also did the controversial “Joe” (1970), “Save the Tiger” (1973, Best Actor Oscar for Jack Lemmon), John Belushi’s last film “Neighbors” (1981), “The Karate Kid” (1984), “Lean on Me” (1989) and “8 Seconds” (1994). Patrick McDonald, Spike Walters and Jon Espino of HollywoodChicago.com offer three essays on their Avildsen favorites.
Red-Carpet Video Interview: ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ Star Anthony Hopkins
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 22, 2017 - 3:58pmCHICAGO – Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com interviews Hollywood legend Sir Anthony Hopkins at the red-carpet premiere of “Transformers: The Last Knight” in Chicago on June 20, 2017. Recently nicknamed T-Hop, we discuss his obsessive-compulsive disorder, feeding his brain, geeking out on history and astronomy and more!
Red-Carpet Video Clip: Optimus Prime Voice Artist Peter Cullen for ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 22, 2017 - 3:36pmCHICAGO – “Transformers: The Last Knight” held its star-studded premiere in Chicago on June 20, 2017. On the red carpet, Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com asked Optimus Prime voice artist Peter Cullen to jump into character and say the line in the trailer: “For my world to live, yours must die.”
Red-Carpet Video Interview: ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ Writers Ken Nolan, Matt Holloway, Art Marcum
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 22, 2017 - 3:30pmCHICAGO – “Transformers: The Last Knight” held its star-studded premiere in Chicago on June 20, 2017. On the red carpet, Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com interviewed writers Ken Nolan, Matt Holloway and Art Marcum about their writers’ room process.
Red-Carpet Video Clip: Megatron Voice Artist Frank Welker for ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 22, 2017 - 3:06pmCHICAGO – “Transformers: The Last Knight” held its star-studded premiere in Chicago on June 20, 2017. On the red carpet, Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com asked voice artist Frank Welker to jump into character to voice Decepticons including Megatron and Soundwave.
Film News: Merle Hayden, Subject of ‘Manlife: The Last of the Lawsonians,’ Dies at 96
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 22, 2017 - 12:19pmRACINE, WIS – The last of the Lawsonians has now passed on. Merle Hayden, six days after he made an appearance on Closing Night at the Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF), died on June 10th, 2017, of natural causes in Racine, Wisconsin. He was 96 years old. His life was the subject of a World Premiere documentary shown at CUFF, “Manlife: The Last of the Lawsonians” on June 4th. Mr. Hayden made an appearance at that screening, lucidly participated in a Q&A and got to celebrate the achievement of his life’s work brought to a cinematic form.
Film Review: ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ is Bizarrely Enjoyable
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 21, 2017 - 1:29pmCHICAGO – Knock me over with a feather kids, but I enjoyed “Transformers: The Last Knight.” Maybe it was in comparison to the others or maybe director Michael Bay has beaten me into submission, but this one had the right story elements and casting to make it work, with exceptions of course.
‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ is Bizarrely Enjoyable
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 21, 2017 - 1:25pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Knock me over with a feather kids, but I enjoyed “Transformers: The Last Knight.” Maybe it was in comparison to the others or maybe director Michael Bay has beaten me into submission, but this one had the right story elements and casting to make it work, with exceptions of course.
Interview, Audio: Director Ana Lily Amirpour Stirs up ‘The Bad Batch’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 21, 2017 - 8:46amCHICAGO – The dystopia – or negative future world – is a genre staple, from “Soylent Green” to “Max Max.” The latest film to ponder the possibilities is “The Bad Batch,” from writer/director Ana Lily Amirpour. This is her sophomore feature, after “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” and features Suki Waterhouse in the lead role.
Film Review: Emotionally Perfect Cowboy Elegy in ‘The Hero’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 20, 2017 - 12:31pmCHICAGO – The great character actor Sam Elliott – known mostly for his cowboy roles in film/TV and his unique bass sounding voiceovers – gets an opportunity to deliver a nuanced and emotional performance as a hyper-realized version of himself. There is virtue and truth in this character journey.
Emotionally Perfect Cowboy Elegy in ‘The Hero’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 20, 2017 - 12:25pmRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The great character actor Sam Elliott – known mostly for his cowboy roles in film/TV and his unique bass sounding voiceovers – gets an opportunity to deliver a nuanced and emotional performance as a hyper-realized version of himself. There is virtue and truth in this character journey.
Music Review: Iron Maiden Conjures the Soul of Heavy Metal in Chicagoland Concert
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 19, 2017 - 10:49amCHICAGO – On a hot and humid night – with dark ominous clouds enveloping the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Tinley Park, Ill. on June 15th, 2017 – the crowd gathered to see Iron Maiden, and spilled into their seats like a cold beer from the tap. The heavy metal-loving masses, with their torn jeans and ever-present mullets, got ready for the latest show in the band’s “The Book of Souls” World Tour by responding in Pavlovian fashion to UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” (Maiden’s intro song), as it boomed from the venue’s speakers.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Passes to ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 18, 2017 - 5:34pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated “Transformers: The Last Knight” starring Mark Wahlberg!
Film Review: ‘The Book of Henry’ Generates a Different Story Vibe
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2017 - 8:08amCHICAGO – There are some total exasperations in “The Book of Henry”… numerous ones that are almost deal breakers. But somehow, some way, the strange twists and ideas take over, and the film becomes fable-like, examining a different line of story elements that switch from one character to another. Director Colin Trevorrow (“Jurassic Park” reboot) reveals a love in what he is doing in this film, and that also counts for something.
‘The Book of Henry’ Generates a Different Story Vibe
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2017 - 8:03amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There are some total exasperations in “The Book of Henry”… numerous ones that are almost deal breakers. But somehow, some way, the strange twists and ideas take over, and the film becomes fable-like, examining a different line of story elements that switched from one character to another. Director Colin Trevorrow (“Jurassic Park” reboot) reveals a love in what he is doing in this film, and that also counts for something.
Film Review: ‘Rough Night’ is More Than Just a Diamond in the Rough
Submitted by JonHC on June 17, 2017 - 3:26amCHICAGO - The idiotic notion in Hollywood (and in the basements of fanboy mothers everywhere) that women can’t be funny is a joke in itself. Women have been forced to prove themselves on the male-dominated comedic circuit and have come out as successful as their male counterparts. “Rough Night”, despite all of its flaws, is just the most recent example of that.
‘Rough Night’ is More Than Just a Diamond in the Rough
Submitted by JonHC on June 17, 2017 - 3:24amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The idiotic notion in Hollywood (and in the basements of fanboy mothers everywhere) that women can’t be funny is a joke in itself. Women have been forced to prove themselves on the male-dominated comedic circuit and have come out as successful as their male counterparts. “Rough Night”, despite all of its flaws, is just the most recent example of that.